Jakarta – Indonesia's Witness and Victim Protection Agency says budget restraints hamper its efforts to provide maximum protection for witnesses.

"The agency operates on a state budget, which is much less than what is allocated to ministries and other agencies. That makes things difficult for us," Abdul Haris Semendawai, chairman of the agency known as LPSK, was quoted as saying by Detik.com on Monday.

Abdul said the government had only earmarked Rp 66.6 billion ($6.7 million) for the agency for this year, less than half of the budget allocated last year when the agency received Rp 148.7 billion.

He said the figure was less than ideal to provide maximum protection and security for witnesses. The LPSK chairman said the agency needed more funds to provide witnesses with medical and psychological services, restitution, compensation and to help witness get their procedural rights.

Teguh Sudarsono, deputy chairman of the LPSK, said the agency was forced to make many adjustments because of the lack of funds. He they had to cooperate with state-run hospitals to provide witnesses with affordable medical services.

The limited budget, he said, would also prevent the agency from providing a sense of security needed by witnesses, including providing more safe houses. "Victims often felt even more victimized because of the lack of basic services," the deputy chairman said.

Abdul said the government should allocate a bigger budget to support the proper operation of the agency. "The LPSK hopes that there will be no more budget cuts in the future. Please take into consideration the increasing needs for services for witnesses," he said.

Source: http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/news/lpsk-says-lacks-funds-needed-protect-witnesses/